A very old custom is “Weiberfastnacht” or „Altweiberfasching“. This holiday is the third Thursday of the month in February, before Ash Wednesday in the Karneval season, and celebrated mostly in the Rheinland area

It was originally a day for women, now also celebrated by both sexes, as the beginning of the six-day peak of the carnival season. Remnants of the original purpose are that women allowed to cut off men ties and then kiss them on the cheek.

All the men are advised not to wear a tie at work or on the street!!!